Five ways to add texture to handmade cards was the focus of this week’s Live, using the beautiful Floral Spray Embossing Folder.
Embossing folders are one of those products we can easily use the same way every time. Usually, we place the cardstock inside, run it through the machine, and add it to a card. That is still beautiful, but there are so many other simple ways to bring out the detail and make the design look a little different.
For these cards I used the Floral Spray Embossing Folder from the Valley in Bloom Suite, along with some of the 2026–2028 In Colors. My main colours were Peaceful Pine and Hydrangea Hue, and I love how each colour gives the same design a completely different feel.
Floral Spray Embossing Folder Card Ideas
In the Live, I shared five different ways to use the Floral Spray Embossing Folder, plus a little bonus idea using the other side of the Two-Tone Cardstock.
During the Live, the first card shows the embossing folder used in the usual way, with plain embossed cardstock. This is simple, elegant, and still a lovely way to add texture to a card.
From there, I showed how you can add ink to the embossed side, add ink to the debossed side, use white craft ink over the raised pattern, and sand Two-Tone Cardstock to reveal the lighter core underneath. Each one gives a different finish, even though the same embossing folder is being used.
I also tried inking the debossed side of the Two-Tone Cardstock, which gave another lovely variation. Sometimes it is worth experimenting as you craft, as you never quite know what you will discover.
Here are some of the creations:
Embossed and Debossed:
The top two cards have the ink on the embossed side. The lower two cards have the ink on the debosed side. Which is your favourite?
White Ink on Embossed Side:
These cards have White Craft ink gently swiped across the top so the ink makes contact with the raised parts of the cardstock.
Two Tone Sanded:
Here the top card has been sanded. The lower card is the one with white.
Peaceful Pine and Hydrangea Hue Cards
The Peaceful Pine cards have a rich, elegant look, especially when paired with the matching ribbon and embellishments. I particularly liked the version with white craft ink gently swiped over the raised embossed design. It helps the floral detail stand out while still keeping the card soft and monochromatic.
The Hydrangea Hue versions feel lighter and brighter. The white ink on Hydrangea Hue gave a very soft look, while the darker ink over the embossed or debossed areas created more contrast.
I kept the card design simple so that the backgrounds could be the main feature. A ribbon, sentiment label, and a few embellishments were all that was needed to finish the cards.
Watch the Video to See the Different Embossing Folder Techniques
To see how each of these backgrounds was created, make sure you watch the video replay. It is much easier to see the difference between the embossed and debossed sides when you can watch the ink being added.
You will also see how I chose where to place the cardstock inside the folder. Because the Floral Spray Embossing Folder has a large floral image, you can get slightly different looks depending on where you position your cardstock.
These ideas will not work exactly the same with every embossing folder, but they are especially effective with folders that have flowers, leaves, or a larger image design.
Supplies Used
The main product featured was the Floral Spray Embossing Folder.
You can see the supplies I used here:
https://s.tamp.in/wy_K2H
If you already have embossing folders at home, why not choose one and try a couple of these ideas? You may be surprised how different your cards can look just by changing how you add ink, or by using the other side of your embossed cardstock.
Final Thoughts
I hope these Floral Spray Embossing Folder card ideas encourage you to look at your embossing folders in a new way. You do not always need lots of extra products or complicated techniques to create something beautiful.
A little ink, a bit of texture, and a simple card layout can go a long way.
Please feel free to watch the replay, try one of the ideas with an embossing folder you already have, and let me know which technique is your favourite.